I just want to preface this by saying that I’m not the biggest fan of lists because I feel all these shows in my top ten (and some in my honorable mentions) are all very good in their own way. It’s hard for me to say which is better than the other since a lot of these shows strive for different things. So to rank them I based it more on how impactful and memorable these shows were for me after I finished watching them. This has been a fantastic season of television and a lot of these shows could be considered the best show of the year. (EDIT: I edited the list to add numerical values so it would fit the criteria. Apologies for any confusion RatskyWatsky)
1.
Transparent: A wonderful show. Though the premise may sound simple (a father of 3 children announces one day that he now identifies himself as a woman) and could easily be made for cheap laughs, the show manages to tell a believable, endearing, and thoughtful story about the Pfefferman family and how each member of the family has a tough time being honest about who they are and what they want in life. In other words, it’s a story about ‘transparency’ and how these characters struggle with not only being transparent with those around them but with themselves. It has a great cast and wonderful performances (especially Jeffrey Tambor as the aforementioned patriarch of the family). Definitely one of the most pleasant surprises of this year.
2.
Rectify: One of my favorites shows of last year and it’s just as good if not better this year. Mesmerizing. Charming. Sentimental. Normally, it would be strange to use such adjectives to describe a show that centers on a horrific crime that the protagonist may or may not have committed. But what makes it special is that the show is more focused on the characters and the emotional fallout rather than the grisly details of the crime itself (although that does get explored more in this season). It’s really a show about characters searching for connection with other people, with the world they lost and with the world they live in now. It's also nice for a change to have a big portion of the central cast be genuinely good and likeable people and not anti-heroes and sociopaths. (although bad people obviously exist in this world). This is a show that can bring a smile to your face one minute but can quickly bring you to tears in the next.
3.
Boardwalk Empire: Despite a truncated season, the final season of BE managed to provide fitting and satisfying payoffs for the key characters of the show as well as utilize an ambitious narrative structure (ala Godfather II) in which 2 separate storylines are told in tandem (the rise of young Nucky and the fall of present Nucky) throughout the season. But much like the film, past and present manage to intersect at interesting and powerful junctures that augment the entire experience. But most importantly, like any season of BE, the season is anchored by a unique theme. In the case of this final season, the theme is that you cannot escape your past. Most of the key characters, whether they want to or not, are forced to confront their past in different ways and how they respond will ultimately decide their fate. Much like previous seasons, the final one is a slow burn that’s best judged in it’s entirety. But if you are willing to invest, you will be rewarded with a fulfilling and bittersweet final chapter. (also avoid spoilers if you can)
4.
The Americans: The first season was a great spy thriller with a domestic angle, the second is the same but even better. Set around the time of the Iran-Contra incident, the struggle with truth and identity is richly amplified this season for Philip and Elizabeth not only on their job but in their domestic lives. But it’s not just them, side characters such as Stan Beeman, Nina and even Paige have compelling storylines this season as all these characters try to weed through all the deception in their respective worlds to search for meaningful truths. (I just wanted to point out that normally it’s challenging to make stories about children in spycraft thrillers interesting but I really enjoyed what they did with Paige this season) The season is tense, exciting and dramatic and I’m looking forward to where things go next. (PS- I’m still extremely upset at FX for refusing to release season 2 on Blu-Ray)
5.
The Knick: When I first heard that Steven Soderbergh was directing the entire first season of the Knick like a 10 hour movie, I was both excited and apprehensive because transitioning to a new medium of storytelling can be quite difficult. It turns out my fears were completely unfounded as the Knick is a fascinating and captivating show that takes place during the early inception of modern medicine in the early 1900s. I like how the story examines this period through different facets of the medical world (doctors, nurses, administrators, health inspectors, ambulances etc.) as well as touching on the social, economic and racial factors. Clive Owen does a magnificent job as Dr. John Thackery whose brilliance is only matched by his instability. In a way, Thackery is like a reflection of the time period: both equally fascinating and horrifying. (In fact, as someone who isn’t easily perturbed by horror, I found myself genuinely disturbed by some of the things that happen in this show.) But like I mentioned earlier, this is an ensemble show and the rest of the cast are just as interesting. (some personal favorites include Dr. Algernon Edwards, administrator Cornelia Robertson, Nurse Lucy Elkins and the odd pairing of ambulance driver Cleary and the nun Harriet.) The show also has beautiful cinematography and an eccentric soundtrack. And with a second season on the way and with Sodenbergh committed to directing the entire season again, now is a great time to catch up on this underrated show.
6.
True Detective: A terrific miniseries that is as much a serial killer mystery as a character study of 2 dynamically different characters and an examination of the darkness not only inside of us but in the world. The series is anchored by powerhouse performances from Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson who respectively play the nihilistic cynic Det. Rust Cohle and grumpy optimist Det. Martin Hart (as well as an underrated performance from Michelle Monaghan). The story is beautifully told by Cara Fukunaga and writer Pizzolatto as the collaboration between the haunting visuals and the thoughtful dialogue creates an engrossing and brooding experience. I also loved the use of imagery and symbolism. One good example is how the story focuses on symbols that imply imprisonment, blindness or repetition such as “the flat circle” and “the devil nets”. I like how they figuratively connect these symbols to the characters in the story by showing how many of them create self-imposed prisons to shield themselves from the darkness and ugly truths in the world but in end, they end up blinding themselves from seeing certain necessary truths. And in the end, they end repeating their mistakes over and over again. But the best part as I mentioned above is the complicated relationship between Cohle and Hart as their opposing views come into frequent conflict. But it is this relationship that is the center of this show and by the end of their journey neither characters are the same as they were in the beginning.
7.
Fargo: As a huge fan of the Coen brothers (and a big fan of the original film), I was quite skeptical of this series when it was first announced. But my doubts quickly dissipated after watching the first episode. Not only did Noah Hawley manage to capture the tone and unique atmosphere of the film but he managed to craft a story filled with characters that would fit right in with the original universe. For example, one common trope found in the Coen films is the presence of a character that is more or less an embodiment of evil (a figure that is almost supernaturally nihilistic and immoral). In the show, Billy Bob’s Lorne Malvo fits this bill perfectly as he play a sociopathic criminal that comes into a town and wrecks havoc for his own amusement. But also like the original film, one of the major focuses of the story is on human weakness and Martin Freeman’s Lester Nygard is a great representation of this as Lester is a weak and cowardly individual who one day succumbs to his baser desires. Another character who explores this idea of human weakenss is Colin Hank’s Gus Grimley who is a well meaning individual who sometimes makes bad decisions because of his innate fear. But the big difference between Gus and Lester is that Gus takes responsibility for his actions which in the end makes all the difference. Of course to contrast all this, there needs to be a character that is both good and has strong resolve and Molly Solverson is just that (and she is wonderfully played by newcomer Allison Tolman). Much like Francis McDormand’s character in the original, Molly is persistent in her pursuit for justice. She makes a great protagonist and good anchor for the entire series. The series is funny, offbeat, dark and highly enjoyable. I’m very much looking forward to the prequel series.
8.
Hannibal: Beautifully shot and wonderfully acted, the second season takes Hannibal to new heights. The focus on more serialized storytelling and less on case of the week stories makes this season even more focused and more exciting than the first. The conflict between Mads Mikkelsen’s Lecter and Hugh Dancy’s Graham is even more interesting as the season starts with a unique role reversal with Graham as the incarcerated criminal and Lecter as the sane observer. From there the story travels in interesting and unexpected directions that pulls in Jack Crawford and Alana Bloom and culminates in a powerful climax that is hinted at in the first episode of this season. Add in some memorable performances from guest characters such as Michael Pitt’s Mason Verger and you have a terrific season of television.
9.
Mad Men: Even though it’s half a season, Mad Men makes it clear that the end is nigh. As the 60s transitions to the 70s, Don Draper and co. are faced with a transition of their own as many of the characters start this season at a proverbial crossroad in their lives. Don is essentially in limbo as he is not only stuck between LA and NY but between an old life as an Ad-man in NY or a new life with Megan in LA. And like Don, many of the characters this season have to decide for themselves what they really want out of life; material wants such money/a secure job or immaterial desires such as happiness and love. (or as a certain character puts it this season, ‘the best things in life are free’
There are many memorable scenes this season but some of my favorites include a tender moment between Don and Peggy and a surprising scene with Bert Cooper.
10.
Shameless: In my opinion, this is Showtime’s most consistent show that continues to get better every year. Emmy Rossum continues to impress as she gives a powerful and very underrated performance as Fiona Gallagher in the darkest and, in my opinion, the best season of this series. Things start off well in the beginning as the Gallagher's have finally achieved a sense of financial stability but quickly spirals out of control. It's dramatic and at times quite heart breaking.
Honorable Mentions:
Game of Thrones: still the most entertaining fantasy show on TV.
The Comeback: funny, powerful and brutal satire of celebrities and the hollywood machinery. This could have easily made my top 10 but I need to watch the finale next week.
Getting On: very underrated medical dramedy that manages to find humor and genuine emotions in a dysfunctional environment. Please watch if you can, it's only 6 episodes per season.
Veep: i don't watch many comedies but this show is hilarious. Funniest comedy I've seen since Curb your Enthusiasm.
The Leftovers: Depressing and bleak but at it's best it is a great examination of loss
The Affair: Rashomon style of storytelling with great performances from both the leads and supporting cast.
Penny Dreadful: Eva Green steals the show in this fun gothic show.
Masters of Sex: I loved the 1st season but was a bit disappointed in the 2nd because it seemed less focused and more disjointed. Still the season had some great moments and I'm very much looking forward to S3.
Orange is the New Black: With less focus on Piper and a more balanced focus on the rest of the prisoners, the season has a good variety of compelling story lines.
Justified: This show is usually one of my favorites but S5 was a bit of a letdown mainly because I didn't find the Crowes to be that interesting (except for Dewey and Wendy). Still the dialogue is as sharp as ever and the final season looks very promising.
Banshee: great guilty pleasure show
Haven't Seen But Want To or Need to Catch Up On:
The Good Wife: still on S3. darn network shows and your 20+ episodes
Jane the Virgin
Peaky Blinders
Broad City
The Missing
Outlander
Manhattan
many more that I can't think of right now
TL;DR: there are a lot of great shows out there. I think every channel or online service has at least one great show. And judging by the upcoming shows in 2015, next year is going to be even better (and even more time consuming)
